Advocacy Resources

Advocacy Aimed at Improving Access and Outcomes in Cancer Care: To address policies and practices that affect patient care and access, each participating oncology state society leads a policy and advocacy program focused on legislation and regulations impacting cancer care. The program has expanded its reach by collaborating with local and national organizations and state lobbyists to prioritize key legislative issues.

The policy program has helped establish a policy communication and learning infrastructure in 15 participating states with over 130 engaged multidisciplinary providers across the US, demonstrating the collective power available to drive meaningful change. By collaborating to address key policy issues, members can have a tangible impact on improving patient care and quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

To learn more about your state’s policy committee, email Lu Anne Bankert at lbankert@accc-cancer.org.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 legislative session reinforced the importance of continued oncology advocacy. Wisconsin lawmakers continued to prioritize issues that directly affect cancer care, including prior authorization reform, Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) oversight, prescription drug affordability, insurance transparency, and patient access to medically necessary and specialty medications. While comprehensive reforms did not advance during the 2026 session, these discussions highlighted ongoing bipartisan interest in reducing administrative burden and improving access to care, which we expect to continue during the next legislative session.
• Lawmakers addressed growing Medicaid budget pressures by increasing the hospital assessment to leverage additional federal matching funds for hospitals. As Wisconsin projected a $263.5 million Medicaid budget shortfall through the end of the 2025–27 biennium, lawmakers approved an increase in the hospital assessment to strengthen Medicaid financing and maximize available federal matching funds through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The additional funding is intended to improve hospital financial stability and preserve access to specialty care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
• Healthcare workforce challenges remain a concern across Wisconsin. Continued discussions surrounding physician recruitment, workforce development, and access to care highlighted the ongoing need to strengthen Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Session Overview
The 2026 Wisconsin legislative session focused on healthcare affordability, insurance regulation, Medicaid financing, and workforce development. While relatively few healthcare or oncology-specific bills advanced to final passage, lawmakers continued evaluating key issues that influence the delivery of cancer care across the state.

Prior authorization reform and prescription drug affordability remained among the most closely watched topics, reflecting ongoing recognition that administrative burden and insurance barriers can delay medically necessary treatment and increase complexity for both patients and providers. The Legislature also addressed Wisconsin’s projected $263.5 million Medicaid budget shortfall by approving changes to the state’s hospital assessment, allowing Wisconsin to leverage additional federal Medicaid matching funds through CMS to strengthen hospital reimbursement and support healthcare delivery. Lawmakers also continued considering policies to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to care, recognizing the importance of maintaining a robust physician workforce and supporting healthcare delivery in both urban and rural communities. These issues are expected to remain priorities for future legislative sessions and continue to shape the policy environment affecting oncology providers and patients across Wisconsin.

Stay informed on recent federal policy changes impacting oncology care, including Medicare telehealth extensions, expanded cancer screening coverage, and increased investment in cancer research. These updates highlight important opportunities to support patient access and strengthen care delivery, underscoring the value of ongoing advocacy engagement.

Guide to Getting Started in State-Level Oncology Advocacy

Interested in shaping cancer care policy in your state but not sure where to begin? Download our resource guide created for oncology professionals looking to make an impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to get more involved, this tool kit provides step-by-step instructions and resources to help you take the next step. Learn about key legislative issues going on in your state, such as prior authorization reform, PBM reform, co-pay accumulator protections, biomarker testing access, and white bagging, and more—and how they affect cancer care delivery. This guide outlines practical tips on how to connect with your state society, share your story with local legislators, track state bills, and get involved in Hill Days. Download the guide and start advocating for better cancer care today. Contact your Executive Director for more information!

2025 Policy Town Hall
In June 2025, multidisciplinary health care professionals, policy experts, and leaders from oncology state societies convened for the second annual Policy Town Hall to examine how state-level advocacy is shaping the future of cancer care within a complex policy landscape.

This year's discussion highlighted legislative progress and emerging challenges across the country. Topics included:

• Advancing pharmacy benefit manager reform and prior authorization oversight
• Expanding access to biomarker testing
• Protecting Medicaid coverage amid policy shifts
• Amplifying patient and clinician voices in advocacy
• Building effective coalitions and leveraging local lobbyists

Gain key insights on how oncology state societies are driving meaningful policy change and shaping equitable, patient-centered cancer care.

---

Engaging in advocacy through our state societies is one of the most direct ways we can have a voice in healthcare policies impacting the care of our patients.

- Haley M. Simpson, MD, PhD
Policy Committee

---